Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Guo Ling, Fan Qiongyan) news: The weather was nice, and many people went to drink their first coffee of autumn in the Dili and Diya Cafe. On August 24, 2023, several tourists from Guangzhou came to the ancient city of Kashgar to find the Internet-famous Dili and Diya Cafe, because they saw the couple’s romance story on the Internet, one of whom is Chinese and the other is African.

Standing in front of the cafe, above the entrance door, stands a wooden plank adorned with the elegantly carved names of the couple, and on the blue-colored small-sized door, a wedding photo is hanging, in which, the girl, Hadiya, is from Zanzibar, Tanzania in eastern Africa, and the boy, Dilxat Tursun, is a native of Kashgar.

Kashgar, an important city on the ancient Silk Road, has made its architecture, costumes, songs and dances manifestations of its rich cultures, dazzling people’s eyes.

The vibrant colors of Kashgar captivated her. She was astounded by the kaleidoscope of hues that adorned the streets, even extending to the dried fruits.

Their cafe is also exquisitely adorned with vibrant colors perfectly tailored to Hadiya's discerning tastes. Hadiya was grinding coffee, while Dilxat stood silently by her side, cradling their 8-month-old child.

Photo shows the family of three. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Fan Qiongyan)

After finishing work, the couple sat down to tell the story of their acquaintance while the child in their arms was engrossed in nibbling on samosa (a local cuisine, roast stuffed bun). "His teeth haven’t all grown yet, and he loves to eat samosa, just can’t help himself." Hadiya said with a smile that she loves Xinjiang food as much as her child.

At the time, with the further promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, international exchanges were flourishing, and many students from countries along the Belt and Road came to China to study, and Hadiya was one of them.

Ten years ago, Dilxat, who was studying at Fuzhou University, met Hadiya, who was studying at Fujian Medical University. Their schools were separated only by a road. And near the school, there was a restaurant that had a chef from Xinjiang, where they both went every week to eat Xinjiang food. Without a doubt, they gradually fell in love.

"He appeared resplendent, exhibited an exceptional command of the English language, and showcased remarkable prowess in basketball. During my school days, I used to avidly observe his captivating performances on the basketball court."

In 2017, Dilxat successfully completed his studies while Hadiya still had one more year remaining. Dilxat returned to Kashgar with the intention of sharing their blossoming relationship with his family, and although taken aback, his parents graciously accepted it without any objections. When he expressed his desire to accompany Hadiya in Fujian, Dilxat's father selflessly sold 20 sacks of wheat and bestowed him with the necessary funds. "This heartfelt gesture from my family truly exemplified their unwavering support," Dilxat fondly recalled.

After completing her studies, Hadiya was obliged to return to her homeland for a year-long internship before acquiring a medical certification. Throughout this period, there were suitors of good standing who visited her residence with the intention of arranging a match, yet Hadiya declined their advances. In October 2019, she successfully obtained her medical certification and engaged in discussions with her family regarding marrying Dilxat in China, leading to a momentous gathering within the family's midst. "None of our relatives had ever experienced a cross-country marriage, thus the esteemed elders approached this matter with utmost caution and discernment," Hadiya said.

In the end, everyone respected Hadiya's decision, primarily because the family have close feelings to China.

Hadiya said that the largest stadium on their island is the "Chairman Mao Stadium", the well-known local "transportation artery" Tanzania-Zambia railway was built with Chinese assistance, and the water supply project for satellite cities in Mwanza is an important livelihood project under the Belt and Road Initiative jointly built by China and Africa...

"The Tanzania-Zambia Railway is commonly referred to as the 'Freedom Trail' and the 'Friendship Road' within our nation, with accounts from my elders attesting that China provided invaluable assistance in constructing this railway amidst exceptionally challenging circumstances." Hadiya said that it stands as a symbol of the enduring Chinese-Tanzanian friendship. And there are commemorative monuments erected in honor of those aid workers who lost their lives during that period.

After the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Tanzania economic cooperation has been further strengthened. China has undertaken numerous infrastructure projects in the local area, leading to a gradual increase in the number of Chinese professionals working in Tanzania. Simultaneously, an increasing number of Tanzanians have chosen to pursue opportunities for work, study, and residence in China.

After working in Fuzhou for more than 2 years, and with Hadiya being 6 months pregnant at the time, they jointly tendered their resignations and returned to Kashgar City.

After the birth of their child, they decided to stay in Kashgar to start a business. "So many people come to Kashgar to start a business, travel, find business opportunities, and find inspirations. Why should we leave?" In March of this year, Dilxat opened this cafe near the center of the old town of Kashgar.

With the opening of the cafe, their story has also spread on the Internet, attracting some people here to drink a cup of authentic African coffee, while others are drawn by an irresistible desire to encounter the protagonists of this Chinese-African love story...

Riding the fast track of jointly pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, more and more people are realizing their dreams, and as beneficiaries, Mr. and Mrs. Dilxat also recognize the imperative to seize this opportunity in order to actualize their own dreams.

The influx of customers continues to grow each day, and in addition to honing his skills in managing the place, Dilxat has embarked on e-commerce ventures as an agent for purchasing African coffee beans to be sold in Kashgar, while also exporting Kashgar's unique specialties to Africa.

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